Wayland schools' bus director resigns, driver dismissed

April 25, 2014 - 11:28

Wayland Union Schools transportation and maintenance supervisor resigned and a bus driver was dismissed according to a press release by superintendent Norman Taylor.Supervisor Jeff Schilthroat and bus driver Melissa Westphal had been placed on paid administrative leave after an assault on a school bus left a 9-year-old special needs student battered by several other students.Amber Canfield, the parent of the child, said the situation was handled inappropriately by the bus driver and covered up by the supervisor.Since then, other parents came forward saying their complaints about the bus driver were also ignored."Over the course of the past several weeks, we have been investigating concerns that involved both students and staff members within the transportation department," Taylor said. "The board and I agreed with the supervisor that at this point, new leadership is needed within the transportation department."Taylor said the investigation and response is not complete."We have established a committee to further explore bus conduct, policies, and practices," the release said. "We will also engage further professional development for our transportation staff to ensure that our standards and expectations are aligned with current practices and behaviors."To see the full press release, visit http://web2.wayland.k12.mi.us/